Review of the Māori Language Sector - Summary

What is the purpose of the Review of the Māori Language Sector?

identify and evaluate key Māori language programmes and services being delivered by Government agencies in terms of the impact on Māori language outcomes and alignment to Iwi and Māori aspirations;

examine the coordination of Māori language programmes and services across agencies and provide advice about opportunities for enhanced coordination and engagement across agencies;consider the current infrastructure of the Māori Language Sector in relation to responsibilities, programmes, expenditure and services;

assess the value for money of Māori language related expenditure; and

consider other dimensions of ‘value’ that are appropriate to the different types of programmes and services that are provided by agencies. For example,

the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery;

support for whānau, hapū and iwi well-being and community relationships; and,

status of the Māori language as a taonga in the context of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Who is responsible for the Review of the Māori Language Sector?

The Minister of Māori Affairs, the Hon Dr Pita R Sharples is responsible for the Review of the Māori Language Sector.

Who will undertake the Review of the Māori Language Sector?

An independent panel has been selected by the Minister of Māori Affairs in consultation with the Minister of Education, the Hon Anne Tolley. The Independent Panel are Professor Tāmati Reedy as the chairperson, Mr Toni Waho, Mr Pem Bird, Ms Rahera Shortland, Ms Cathy Dewes, Ms Hana O’Regan and Ms Pānia Papa. Te Puni Kōkiri will provide secretariat support, as required, for the Independent Panel.

What is the timeframe for the Review of the Māori Language Sector?

The Review commenced in July 2010 and it expected to be completed by March 2011.

What groups will be involved in the Review?

The Independent Panel will consider iwi, hapū, marae, whānau and Māori communities’ aspirations for the Māori language as part of the Review of the Māori Language Sector.

What agencies will be involved in the Review?

The Review will consider Māori language programmes and services of particular Government agencies with a view to establishing their effectiveness and efficiency in responding to Māori language aspirations of Iwi and Māori.

What will the Minister of Māori Affairs do with the findings and recommendations from the Review?

Once the Minister of Māori Affairs has reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Independent Panel, a revised draft Māori Language Strategy will be developed in consultation with Māori.